holiday – KLRU-TV, Austin PBShttp://www.klru.org
Inspiring AustinWed, 21 Feb 2018 23:07:00 +0000en-UShourly1https://wordpress.org/?v=4.7.2PBS KIDS Rings in the Holiday Season with a Full Slate of Programming for the Whole Familyhttp://www.klru.org/blog/2017/11/pbs-kids-rings-in-the-holiday-season-with-a-full-slate-of-programming-for-the-whole-family/
Tue, 21 Nov 2017 19:20:49 +0000http://www.klru.org/?p=85170Shorter days and colder nights offer a good reason to cozy up with family to enjoy holiday favorites on PBS KIDS. Beginning this month and running through the end of the year, kids and families can celebrate the joy of … more →]]>

Shorter days and colder nights offer a good reason to cozy up with family to enjoy holiday favorites on PBS KIDS. Beginning this month and running through the end of the year, kids and families can celebrate the joy of the season with holiday-themed specials every weekend as part of Family Night, a special viewing destination on the KLRU PBS KIDS 24/7 channel and live stream. This includes the Primetime Emmy- and WGA Award-winning ONCE UPON A SESAME STREET CHRISTMAS, THE GRUFFALO and new holiday-themed episodes from READY JET GO!, SPLASH AND BUBBLES and CYBERCHASE. Holiday-themed episodes from PBS KIDS favorites will also air on PBS stations and stream on pbskids.org and the PBS KIDS Video app throughout December. For additional programs airing, check out klru.org/holiday

ONCE UPON A SESAME STREET CHRISTMAS
Premieres and streams November 22, 23, 24 (on KLRU PBS KIDS 24/7 Family Night); December 4, 11-15, 18
A bedtime story for Elmo recalls a gloomy time when Sesame Street was devoid of holiday spirit until a distant relative brought tidings of comfort and joy to its residents.

THE GRUFFALO
Airs December 1-3 (on KLRU PBS KIDS 24/7 Family Night)
A cunning mouse goes for a walk through the forest and has to outwit a succession of predators.

THE CAT IN THE HAT KNOWS A LOT ABOUT CHRISTMAS!
Airs December 8-10 (on KLRU PBS KIDS 24/7 Family Night), 12, 14, 16, 26
This adventure finds the Cat in the Hat, Nick and Sally on a journey around the world to help a lost reindeer find his way home to Freezeyourknees Snowland in time for Christmas. On the way, the Thinga-ma-jigger breaks down, and they depend on a variety of animals – from African bush elephants to bottlenose dolphins to red crabs – and their remarkable abilities to help them make an amazing journey home.

SPLASH AND BUBBLES: Whitebeard/Coral Day – NEW
Airs December 11, 15-17 (on KLRU PBS KIDS 24/7 Family Night)
“Whitebeard” – Ripple is excited because, according to legend, tonight is the night that Whitebeard, a mysterious creature who lives at the North Pole, sails over Reeftown, singing his beautiful music. She tries to convince the other Reeftown friends to stay up and watch for him to appear.
“Coral Day” – It’s the holiday season in Reeftown as everyone gets ready for Coral Day, a celebration of the wonderful coral that makes up their home. Splash, new to Reeftown and its traditions, wonders what he can contribute to the festival.

PEG + CAT + HOLIDAYS
Airs December 11, 15-17 (on KLRU PBS KIDS 24/7 Family Night), 26
“The Hanukkah Problem” – When Albert Einstein invites Peg and Cat over for Hanukkah, he shows them how to make a 2D piece of paper into a 3D dreidel. Later, they need to use this process to bring peace to Al’s home and save his Hanukkah.
“The Christmas Problem” – When Santa Claus is in trouble, Peg and Cat have to solve their biggest problem ever: how to make and wrap presents for all the children of the world and deliver them using 100 sleighs.
“The Penguin Problem” – Peg and Cat coach a team of skiing penguins, who would have a shot at the Olympic gold medal if only they knew “over,” “under” and “in between.”

READY JET GO!: Holidays in Boxwood Terrace – NEW
Premieres and streams December 11, December 22-24 (on KLRU PBS KIDS 24/7 Family Night)
“Holidays in Boxwood Terrace, Part 1” – Jet pitches an idea for the annual Boxwood Terrace Christmas Pageant, and not only is it accepted, he gets to direct it! He casts Sean, Sydney, Mindy and Sunspot as characters in the play and hires Mitchell Petersen to help him find this elusive thing called “Christmas Spirit.”
“Holidays in Boxwood Terrace, Part 2” – Jet is looking for the Spirit of Christmas, something intangible that Sean and Sydney can’t quite define. Mitchell wants to belong to the group, but doesn’t know how to do it. Both kids get their answer in a heartfelt conclusion.

WILD KRATTS: A CREATURE CHRISTMAS
Airs December 11, 12, 14, 15, 17, 22-24 (on KLRU PBS KIDS 24/7 Family Night), 25
In this one-hour special, it’s Christmastime and the Wild Kratts are taking a break from creature adventuring to celebrate. But when the Wild Kratts receive an alert that their favorite creatures are suddenly disappearing around the globe, their holiday party quickly turns into a rescue mission. The Wild Kratts must race against time to thwart their greedy archrivals’ most miserly scheme yet! Will they be able to travel to the ends of the earth and return their baby animal friends to their homes in time for the holidays?

CYBERCHASE: A REBOOT EVE TO REMEMBER – NEW
Premieres and streams December 29; 30-31 (on KLRU PBS KIDS 24/7 Family Night)
It’s almost Reboot Day – when all of Cyberspace celebrates a fresh start for the new year! It’s Delete’s favorite holiday, but Hacker is in a bad mood because he’s low on energy. Fortunately for Hacker, the blustery town of Bottawa has a powerful energy source he can steal. Unfortunately for Bottawa, this energy source raises the big ball at midnight on Reboot Eve, and the celebration is being broadcast live across Cyberspace! When Hacker goes through with his plan, Delete stays in Bottawa to join forces with the CyberSquad and save the holiday. Can they find a way to use Bottawa’s wind to raise the big ball by midnight? And will Hacker’s Reboot resolution bring Delete home?
Other new episodes include “Creech’s Creature Quandary” (December 26), “A Murky Mystery in Mermaidos” (Dec ember27) and “Plantasaurus!” (December 28).

CURIOUS GEORGE: A VERY MONKEY CHRISTMAS
Airs December 11, 15, 17, 25
Curious George and the Man with the Yellow Hat are having a wonderful time getting ready for Christmas. There’s only one dilemma – neither of them can figure out what to give the other for a present! In the end, both gift-giving predicaments are simply and beautifully resolved, revealing the true spirit of the holiday season.

]]>Holiday programming on KLRU 2017http://www.klru.org/blog/2017/11/holiday-programming-on-klru-2017/
Tue, 21 Nov 2017 19:17:08 +0000http://www.klru.org/?p=85168KLRU presents special programing that can be enjoyed by the entire family. Rick Steves’ Special “European Christmas” Saturday, December 2 at 10:00 am and repeats on Saturday, December 2 at 10:30 pm; It Sunday, December 3 at 1:00 pm. In … more →]]>

KLRU presents special programing that can be enjoyed by the entire family.

Rick Steves’ Special “European Christmas”
Saturday, December 2 at 10:00 am and repeats on Saturday, December 2 at 10:30 pm; It Sunday, December 3 at 1:00 pm.
In the special, Rick visits friends and families in England, France, Norway, Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Italy to reveal their customs and practices of the holiday season.

Great British Baking Show “Christmas Masterclass”
Friday, December 8 at 8:00 pm and repeats on Saturday, December 9 at 5:30 pm
Join judges Mary Berry and Paul Hollywood as they detail how to make perfect mince pies, Christmas pudding and Christmas cake, and introduce some tasty treats for the holiday season.

Christmas with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir
Friday, December 15 at 8:00 pm
Celebrate the holidays with the renowned Mormon Tabernacle Choir. This season’s cross-cultural spectacular features the world’s leading tenor, Rolando Villazon, and seasonal favorites.

Great British Baking Show “Christmas Masterclass”
Saturday, December 16 at 5:30pm
Mary and Paul share favorite recipes for Christmas classics like stollen, mincemeat streusel and a gingerbread house, and some lesser-known bakes: Scottish black bun, Tunis cake and Boxing Day pie-the perfect way to use trimmings from the day before.

Great Performances “Irving Berlin’s Holiday Inn”
Sunday, December 17 at 1:00 pm and repeats on Friday, December 22 at 8:00 pm.
Enjoy the hit Broadway adaptation of the classic 1942 movie musical, showcasing an Irving Berlin score including the Oscar-winning “White Christmas” with big dance numbers, comedy and a hit parade of the great songwriter’s famous tunes.

Last Tango in Halifax Holiday SpecialsSunday, December 17 and Sunday, December 24 at 7:00 pm
Caroline’s new headship involves moving the family to a ramshackle farmhouse in time for Christmas. Alan has a difficult conversation with Gillian, who’s consumed by thoughts of the afterlife, convinced she’s being haunted by Eddie.

Great British Baking ShowSaturday, December 23 at 4:30 pm and 5:30 pm
In the first program, Mary and Paul share favorite recipes for Christmas classics like stollen, mincemeat streusel and a gingerbread house, and some lesser-known bakes: Scottish black bun, Tunis cake and Boxing Day pie-the perfect way to use trimmings from the day before. In the second program, watch Mary prepare a pavlova wreath, and Paul a Chelsea bun Christmas tree. Mary makes decadent trifle layered with fruit compote and a rosace a l’orange. Paul puts leftovers to use in turkey and ham pie and closes the show with a towering pandoro.

Call the Midwife Holiday SpecialMonday, December 25 at 7:00 pm
Join the midwives as they battle snow, ice, power cuts and frozen pipes to provide patient care during the coldest winter in 300 years. Valerie helps a young couple who experience a traumatic birth and Sister Julienne tries to reunite a family.

]]>KLRU Kids Holiday Programshttp://www.klru.org/blog/2016/11/klru-kids-holiday-programs/
Tue, 29 Nov 2016 17:20:37 +0000http://www.klru.org/?p=54343KLRU KIDS celebrates the season with holiday episodes and movies, including: In this one-hour special, it’s Christmas time and the Wild Kratts are taking a break from creature adventuring to celebrate. But when the Wild Kratts receive an alert that their … more →]]>

KLRU KIDS celebrates the season with holiday episodes and movies, including:

In this one-hour special, it’s Christmas time and the Wild Kratts are taking a break from creature adventuring to celebrate. But when the Wild Kratts receive an alert that their favorite creatures are suddenly disappearing around the globe, their holiday party quickly turns into a rescue mission. “A Creature Christmas” airs December 23 at 6:30 am & 4:00 pm; and December 25 at 8:00 am.

George and The Man with The Yellow Hat are having a very merry time counting down the days until Christmas. There’s only one puzzle: neither of them can figure out what to give the other for a present. Help Curious George in his holiday special, A Very Monkey Christmas, airing on December 16 at 7:30 am and 1:30 pm; December 18 at 7:30 am; December 24 at 7:00 am and December 25 at 7:00 am.

In this holiday special of The Cat in the Hat, the adventure finds the Cat in the Hat, Nick and Sally on a journey around the world to help a lost reindeer find his way home to Freezeyourknees Snowland in time for Christmas. The Cat in the Hat Knows a Lot About Christmas!, airs December 17 at 6:00 am and December 25 at 6:00 am.

On Thomas & Friends, cheeky little Tank Engine, and his friends, Edward, James, Gordon, Percy, Henry and Toby, plus Emily, set out on their holiday adventures. Thomas & Friends premiers a week of new holiday episodes the week of 12/12-12/16 airs at 11:30 am weekdays.

Join Bob the Builder and all of his friends on his new holiday episode on December 5 at 10:30 am; December 9 at 10:30 am; December 15 at 10:30 am; December 19 at 10:30 am; December 21 at 10:30 am; and December 23 at 10:30 am.

In the countdown to Christmas on the Great British Baking Show “Christmas Master Class”, Paul bakes St. Lucia buns and mincemeat and marzipan couronne. Mary tackles French galette, Genoa cake, and white chocolate and ginger cheesecake, which airs Saturday, December 24 starting at 4:30 pm.

The one-hour music special HAPPY HOLIDAYS WITH THE BOSTON POPS showcases the best of the New England holiday season with the Boston Pops and Tanglewood Festival Chorus. Featuring plenty of Christmas classics, Happy Holidays with the Boston Pops airs Saturday, December 24 at 7:00 pm

Tune in to the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and hear Broadway star Laura Osnes, acclaimed British screen actor Martin Jarvis and the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square in the annual Christmas concert. Christmas with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir repeats on Saturday, December 24 at 8:00 pm

Jordan Smith, season nine winner of NBC’s The Voice (and biggest selling The Voice artist to date), stars in his very first one-hour concert program, JORDAN SMITH ‘TIS THE SEASON, which encores on Saturday, December 24 at 10:00 pm.

From manger scenes and mistletoe to wintry wonderlands, RICK STEVES’ EUROPEAN CHRISTMAS celebrates the Christmas season throughout the European continent. In the special, Rick visits friends and families in England, France, Norway, Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Italy to reveal their customs and practices of the holiday season. Rick Steves’ holiday episode, # 106 “European Christmas”, encores on Saturday, December 24 at 11:00 pm.

Christmas Day Programming:

On the Christmas Day special of Great British Baking Show “Christmas Master Class”, watch Mary prepare a pavlova wreath, and Paul a Chelsea bun Christmas tree. Mary makes decadent trifle layered with fruit compote and a rosace a l’orange. “Christmas Master Class” airs Sunday, December 25 starting at 1:00 pm

]]>KLRU Q Holiday Programminghttp://www.klru.org/blog/2016/11/klru-q-holiday-programming/
Mon, 28 Nov 2016 18:54:57 +0000http://www.klru.org/?p=54537KLRUQ offers a month of holiday themed programming Wednesday, Dec. 7 9:00 pm Christmas Time in New Orleans Taped in part at the historic Saenger Theatre in downtown New Orleans, the special spotlights a concert celebrating the city’s vast and … more →]]>

Taped in part at the historic Saenger Theatre in downtown New Orleans, the special spotlights a concert celebrating the city’s vast and unique musical influences.

Sunday, Dec. 11

10:30 pmEuropean Christmas Markets
Join us on our discovery of Europe’s Christmas Markets, where the town center, market square or just the narrow, cobblestone streets of the cities and towns of Europe come alive in winter with festively decorated wooden stalls offering all sorts of treats and delights.

Austin’s own Bruce Robison & Kelly Willis perform a unique blend of country and Christmas tunes at The Paramount Theater.

Tuesday, Dec. 20

10:00 amEuropean Christmas Markets

10:30 amChristmas on the Danube
A companion to European Christmas Market documentary.It is true holiday treat that will fill your senses with warmth, touch your heart, and provide your mind with geography and history, as well.

1:00 pmEuropean Christmas Markets

1:30 pmChristmas on the Danube

Saturday, Dec. 24

5:00 amJordan Smith ’tis The Season
Jordan Smith, season nine winner of NBC’s The Voice (and biggest selling The Voice artist to date), stars in his very first one-hour concert program.

6:00 pmJordan Smith ’tis The Season

Sunday, Dec. 25

5:00 pmJordan Smith ’tis The Season

5:55 pmAncient Roads from Christ to Constantine marathon, episodes #101-106 — ends at 11:40 pm
Charts Christianity’s evolution from a small movement to the largest religion in the world, with more than two billion followers

]]>Q Night At The Movies 5/14: Holiday & The Philadelphia Storyhttp://www.klru.org/blog/2016/05/q-night-at-the-movies-514-holiday-the-philadelphia-story/
Fri, 13 May 2016 15:44:22 +0000http://www.klru.org/?p=42158If you’re a Cary Grant fan, you need to catch Q Night At The Movies this week! We start off the night learning about his acting career. Following an intimate conversation with writer/director Gary Ross, we’ve got back-to-back films starring … more →]]>

If you’re a Cary Grant fan, you need to catch Q Night At The Movies this week! We start off the night learning about his acting career. Following an intimate conversation with writer/director Gary Ross, we’ve got back-to-back films starring Cary Grant. In Holiday, he plays a man with a questionable relationship with his fiancé’s sister. In The Philadelphia Story, Grant plays the ex-husband of a snooty socialite who flirts with a reporter. You won’t want to miss all of the fun!

At 7 p.m.,Hollywood Idols Cary Grant: The Leading Man highlights the acting career of a man who is to this day a household name. With a winning combination of comic style and leading-man charisma, Cary Grant was the essence of a star. But the suave exterior concealed a complex individual. Family photos, archival footage and film clips vividly convey Grant’s journey from lonely, working-class beginnings to the peak of Hollywood royalty.

On Story The Path Of An Action Writer features writer/director Gary Ross (Pleasantville, Seabiscuit, Free State of Jones) at 7:30 p.m. He explores lessons learned and wisdom gained over the course of his career as a storyteller, including the significance of mythology, imagination, and inventiveness throughout all parts of creation, from conception through completion of each project.

At 8 p.m., a tomboy New York socialite (Katharine Hepburn) flirts with her stuffy sister’s (Doris Nolan) down-to-earth fiance (Cary Grant) on All-star Film Collection Holiday.

]]>KLRU Kids Holiday Programming 2015http://www.klru.org/blog/2015/11/klru-kids-holiday-programming/
Tue, 10 Nov 2015 19:06:49 +0000http://www.klru.org/?p=37128The weather outside is frightful, the fire is pretty delightful, and it can only mean one thing – the holidays are almost here! To get ready for the holiday season, KLRU has a full slate of specials for your favorite … more →]]>

The weather outside is frightful, the fire is pretty delightful, and it can only mean one thing – the holidays are almost here! To get ready for the holiday season, KLRU has a full slate of specials for your favorite kids shows.

Wild Kratts A Creature Christmas premieres Wednesday, Nov. 25 at 6:30 a.m. and repeats at 2 p.m. In this one-hour special, it’s Christmas time and the Wild Kratts are taking a break from creature adventuring to celebrate. But when the Wild Kratts receive an alert that their favorite creatures are suddenly disappearing around the globe, their holiday party quickly turns into a rescue mission. Our heroes must race against time to thwart their greedy archrivals’ most miserly scheme yet! Will they be able to travel to the ends of the earth and return their baby animal friends to their homes in time for the holidays? Find out on Wild Kratts: A Creature Christmas.

via PBSKids

Immediately following A Creature Christmas on Nov. 25, Nature Cat premieres! It also repeats at 2 p.m.

December 7:

Curious George A Very Monkey Christmas airs at 7:30 a.m. and repeats at 1 p.m. George and The Man with The Yellow Hat are having a very merry time counting down the days until Christmas. There’s only one puzzle: neither of them can figure out what to give the other for a present. In the end, both gift-giving predicaments are simply and beautifully resolved, revealing the true spirit of the holiday season.

Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood Daniel’s Winter Adventure/Winter Nutcracker airs at 8:30 a.m. Daniel, Dad, Prince Wednesday and Prince Tuesday are all going sledding! But once they get to the hill and see how tall it is, Daniel and Prince Wednesday get scared. Dad assures them that if they try it a little bit at a time, they might surprise themselves and have a great time. Later, Daniel goes ice skating for the first time. When he tries it a little bit at a time, he realizes it is not so hard. Then, in Winter Nutcracker, Daniel is going to see a show called The Nutcracker Ballet! Once he arrives at the performance, he finds out that Prince Wednesday is sick and needs Daniel to fill in for him and dance on stage. Daniel is reluctant at first but realizes that if he learns the steps a little bit at a time, he can dance the Nutcracker and the show will go on!

Peg + Cat + Holidaysairs at 9:00 am and repeats at 12 noon. This is a special holiday episode of Peg + Cat featuring “The Christmas Problem,” “The Hanukkah Problem,” and “The Penguin Problem. ” This series is designed to engage preschool children and teach them how to solve math-based problems with Peg, a chatty and tenacious five year-old, her feline pal, Cat, and her smart, handsome, cool friend Ramone.

Dinosaur Train Trains, Submarines and Zeppelins airs at 10 a.m. Look for the premiere of a new Dinosaur Train holiday special, “Trains, Submarines and Zeppelins.” When Mr. Pteranodon and Larry go out to the Big Pond to find some red platanoids for the Winter Solstice Celebration, they accidentally miss the last train home. Will Larry and Mr. Pteranodon stop bickering long enough to figure out a way home, or will they get stranded in the middle of nowhere and miss the family Winter Solstice Celebration? Educational Objective: The Winter Solstice is the shortest day of the year.

Thomas & Friends Winder Delights/Merry Winter Wish airs at 11:30 a.m. Merry Misty Island – It’s the Winter Holidays on the Island of Sodor. Dash, Bash and Ferdinand decide to throw a party. This is their first party and they’re not really sure what to do and they won’t ask Thomas to help them. Soon the Logging Locos have caused chaos on Misty Island with party decorations scattered all over the place. They need help fast before their party is ruined. Thomas turns up just in time and the Winter Holiday Party is a big success. Merry Winter Wish – It’s the Winter Holidays and Thomas is given the special job of delivering the Star of Knapford to Knapford Station. Instead of going directly to Knapford, Thomas decides to give all of his friends a wish upon the star. The friends wish upon the star but soon there is an accident and the star falls off the back of Thomas’ flatbed. With the help of his friends Thomas gets the star to Knapford just in time.

Odd Squad Reindeer Games airs 3:30 p.m. Reindeer Games – In this Christmas-themed episode, Olive and Otto help Santa track down his missing reindeer. Also, Oscar helps Ms. O get off Santa’s naughty list. Curriculum: Coordinate graphing; greater than and less than.

Martha Speaks Martha’s Holiday Surprise/We’re Powerless airs Monday, December 7 at 5 p.m. Martha’s Holiday Surprise: A blizzard is headed towards Wagstaff City and Mittens the cat is trapped in an alley. Fears rise when the story unfolds: Mittens has kittens. Abandoning animal prejudices, Martha and Skits trample into the snow-capped city to rescue the endangered cat and her young. Vocabulary: (E) attack, comfort, nourish, secure, snuggle. We’re Powerless!: A blackout in Wagstaff City renders Helen, T.D. and Truman incapable of playing their favorite videogame, Multi-Dimensional Intergalactic Kleine Nachtgopher Attack Four. But with a little imagination, a basket of laundry and some salad tongs, these nachtgophers might not be so powerless after all. Vocabulary: (E) blackout, chill, discomfort, shiver, starve.

December 12:

Arthur’s Perfect Christmas airs at 9 a.m. Plans are underway in Elwood City for the best holidays ever as Arthur, D.W., their family and friends make preparations for perfect gifts, perfect parties and perfect family traditions for Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and even “Baxter Day” (Buster and his mom’s special celebration). The only problem is, just like in real life, perfection is hard to attain, and things start to fall apart.

Super Why! ’Twas The Night Before Christmas airs Thursday, December 24 at 11 a.m. and Friday, December 25 at 11 a.m. Super Why ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas, and all through Storybrook Village, not a creature was stirring…except for Whyatt, who has an important question for Santa! So the Super Readers catch up with Santa and his reindeer as they gallop from rooftop to rooftop and unravel the mystery of Santa’s childhood, discovering along the way how to help spread the magic of the holiday.

Cat in the Hat Knows a Lot About Christmas airs Thursday, December 24 at 12:30 pm and repeats Saturday, December 26 at 7:00 am. This adventure finds the Cat in the Hat, Nick and Sally on a journey around the world to help a lost reindeer find his way home to Freezeyourknees Snowland in time for Christmas. On the way, the Thingamajigger breaks down and they depend on a variety of animals — from African bush elephants to bottlenose dolphins to red crabs — and their remarkable abilities to help them make an amazing journey home.

]]>Holiday Programming for the Entire Family 2015http://www.klru.org/blog/2015/11/holiday-programming-for-the-entire-family-2015/
Tue, 10 Nov 2015 19:05:46 +0000http://www.klru.org/?p=37147December marks the arrival of a whole host of holidays. To celebrate, KLRU coordinated enough holiday programming to go with all the month’s merriments. This month on KLRU: Nature Pets: Wild At Heart: Playful Creatures (Part one of two) airs Wednesday, … more →]]>

December marks the arrival of a whole host of holidays. To celebrate, KLRU coordinated enough holiday programming to go with all the month’s merriments. This month on KLRU:

In this astonishing program filled with innovative photography and scientific revelation, we investigate how our favorite pets get in touch with their wild side through play. From talkative budgies, marathon-running hamsters, wall-climbing cats and diving dogs, as well as an island where rabbits rule and a city where dogs live a secret double life – discover how our pets’ playful games are just a whisker away from the wild.

In a program packed with incredible filming techniques, from Schlieren photography that makes smells visible, to moving X-rays, ultra slow-motion, and ultraviolet vision as well as HD horsecams and doggycams, discover how our pets experience the world through their astonishing senses and hidden channels of communication. This episode includes the sensory secrets of budgies, horses, guinea pigs and goldfish as well as the remarkable abilities of hamsters, cats and dogs.

Tom Xia emigrated from mainland China to California at age eight. A series of Chinese toy recalls forces Xia’s neighbors, the Joneses, to have their son tested for lead poisoning. With China’s assent to world superpower status heating up American fears, Xia challenges the Joneses to make it through the Christmas season without any Chinese products, beginning a journey to find American identity amongst all the American media hype, Chinese nationalist propaganda and cultural misunderstandings.

The honey badger is a relentless, fearless, little creature renowned for its ability to confront grown lions, castrate charging buffalo, and shrug off the toxic defenses of stinging bees, scorpions, and snakes. Little is known about its behavior in the wild or why it is so aggressive. This film follows three badger specialists in South Africa who take on these masters of mayhem in ways that must be seen to be believed.

Beneath the streets of Rome lies an ancient city of the dead known as the Catacombs — a labyrinth of tunnels, hundreds of miles long, lined with tombs. Now, NOVA goes inside a previously-unknown complex within the tunnel system: a mysterious mass grave, locked away for nearly 2000 years. NOVA’s forensic investigation opens up fascinating new insights into the daily life and health of Roman citizens at the heyday of its mighty empire.

Craft in America Celebration airs Wednesday, December 16 at 9 p.m.
This new episode explores craft artists, objects and traditions of various holidays, featuring Lion Dancers and float builders of San Francisco’s Chinese New Year Parade, ceramic artists in Detroit making festive pieces, Kwanzaa celebrations in Chicago and Oakland, and woodblock Christmas cards made by Yoshiko Yamamoto in Washington state.

Daytripper Grapevine, Tx airs Thursday, December 17 at 8:30 p.m.
Chet heads to Grapevine, the “Christmas Capital of Texas” to catch the spirit of the season. He visits Main Street to eat at a French bakery, tours a winery, sees amazing sculptures of ice at the Gaylord Texan, and finishes it off on the historic railroad bound for the North Pole.

Lidia Celebrates America Home For The Holidays airs Saturday, December 19 at 4:30 p.m.
It’s the premiere of “Home for the Holidays.” This new program is the fifth in the Lidia Celebrates America series with beloved PBS host Lidia Bastianich. The program celebrates holiday traditions told through the voices of six celebrity guests: Rita Moreno, Christopher Walken, Ann Curry, Padma Lakshmi, Marcus Samuelsson and Carlo Ponti Jr. The deeply personal stories of each individual’s journey to and in America are all set against a backdrop in which they share a deliciously diverse Christmas dinner at Lidia’s home.

Christmas with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir featuring Santino Fontana and the Sesame Street Muppets airs Monday, December 21 at 8 p.m. and repeats Thursday, December 24 at 8 p.m.
Four-time Tony Award winner Audra McDonald and veteran movie and television star Peter Graves join the renowned Mormon Tabernacle Choir and the Orchestra at Temple Square in the premiere of an annual holiday concert that this year includes African-American spirituals and a medley of contemporary favorites. Celebrate the holidays with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir from Salt Lake City with guests Santino Fontana, the voice of Hans from the Disney movie “Frozen” and the Muppets from Sesame Street.

It’s the premiere of Christmas at Belmont 2015, an annual Belmont University tradition celebrating the holiday season and the musical diversity and rich talent of the university’s School of Music. The concert features Kathy Mattea and more than 400 student voices joining with School of Music faculty to present the annual holiday production.

Happy Holidays: The Best of the Andy Christmas Shows airs Tuesday, December 22 at 7 p.m.
Happy Holidays: The Best of the Andy Williams Christmas Shows features classic clips from beloved singer and television personality Andy Williams’ Christmas specials. The digitally re-mastered production numbers are complete with magnificent sets and costumes and a cast of singers, dancers and skaters. Quintessential moments include Williams’ solos on “Silent Night” and “Ave Maria,” as well as ensemles with his brothers on “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” and with the Osmonds on “Silver Bells.” Interviews with Williams, his son Bobby and Donny Osmond are interwoven with the clips.

Nature Magic of the Snowy Owl airs Wednesday, December 23 at 7 p.m.
Nature explores the world of the snowy owl, a bird recently made popular by Hedwig, Harry Potter’s faithful companion. Turning fantasy into reality, “Magic of the Snowy Owl” takes an intimate look at how these majestic birds survive in one of the most isolated and inhospitable places on the planet. Noted wildlife filmmaker Fergus Beeley (“Jungle Eagle”) takes viewers deep into the “snowy’s” tundra home on the North Slope of Alaska to observe the daily struggles involved in raising a family of helpless chicks until they are able to fly. Viewers will discover that these strikingly beautiful Arctic owls – essentially eagles, falcons and owls rolled into one – have a magic of their own.

Call the Midwife Holiday Special airs Friday, December 25 at 8 p.m.
Haul out the holly and celebrate a new Call the Midwife Holiday Special, premiering on Christmas night. Join the revels as Poplar readies itself for Christmas 1960. An unexpected surprise for a grieving mother brings the holiday magic home, while Nonnatus is rocked when one of its own disappears. A film crew promises to make this a memorable Christmas. This is the same date that the BBC1 will premiere the special in the UK!

Vicious Holiday Special airs Friday, December 25 at 9:30 p.m.
Vicious encores “Holiday Special.” Freddie (Ian McKellen) and Stuart (Derek Jacobi) host a holiday soiree in their small central London flat. Ash (Iwan Rheon), their young upstairs neighbor, has volunteered to cook the meal, their feisty best friend Violet (Frances de la Tour) is up to her old tricks, and a wicked game of “Truth or Dare” brings up hidden truths – and surprises as well.

Nature Animal Misfits airs Wednesday, December 30 at 7 p.m.
Life on earth is incredibly diverse, but it’s not always what you might expect. Alongside the fastest, strongest, smartest animals are nature’s misfits. These odd, bizarre and unlikely creatures at first glance seem ill-equipped for survival. Left at the starting line in the race for life, these are the apparent losers in the story of evolution, yet somehow they still manage to cling to life and in some cases even thrive. “Animal Misfits” reveals some surprising details about how evolution really works, demonstrating that all animals are remarkably well-adapted to their chosen way of life.

]]>Happy Holidays from KLRU!http://www.klru.org/blog/2014/12/happy-holidays-from-klru-2/
Wed, 17 Dec 2014 16:21:49 +0000http://www.klru.org/?p=29976We’re offering several programs for kids and for the entire family this holiday season! Our Spanish language channel Vme also has special programs during this festive time of year.]]>

We’re offering several programs for kids and for the entire family this holiday season! Our Spanish language channel Vme also has special programs during this festive time of year.

]]>December 2014 Family Choicehttp://www.klru.org/blog/2014/11/december-2014-family-choice/
Wed, 26 Nov 2014 19:28:26 +0000http://www.klru.org/?p=29669Normally, KLRU chooses three programs each month for your family to enjoy together. In December 2014, we have many incredible family viewing opportunities – Kids’ shows, nighttime programs, and Vme shows in Spanish. Check out our holiday programming list without the holiday … more →]]>

Normally, KLRU chooses three programs each month for your family to enjoy together. In December 2014, we have many incredible family viewing opportunities – Kids’ shows, nighttime programs, and Vme shows in Spanish. Check out our holiday programming list without the holiday commercials for you and your kids!